Crist backs insurance for autism

Broward Democrats waging an uphill battle against the powerful insurance industry to mandate coverage for autistic children have a new ally: Republican Gov. Charlie Crist.

Crist this week made a surprise appearance at a Senate committee where the bill by Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller, of Cooper City, was scheduled for a vote. The governor had been monitoring the meeting on the Capitol's closed circuit television, and decided to appear after he heard the singing of an autistic child.

After urging senators to approve the measure, which requires insurance companies to cover up to $36,000 a year in treatment for autistic children, Crist watched it pass unanimously. The House version of the measure, sponsored by Rep. Ari Porth, D-Coral Springs, has also passed one committee.

On Wednesday, Crist held a news conference with members of his autism task force, including NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino, longtime Miami Dolphins quarterback.

Urging lawmakers to support the legislation, Crist said insurance companies can well afford it. "They're making record profits," Crist said. "If they can't suck it up a little bit to help some kids, there's something really wrong with that corporate ethic."

Marino, who lobbed a football back and forth with Crist, a one-time practice quarterback for Wake Forest University, has an autistic child.

"People need help," Marino said. "I was fortunate enough to write checks and give my son the best possible chance in life. Regardless of what the political issues are, the financial issues are, it comes down to providing a chance for families with autistic children."

House Speaker Marco Rubio joined Marino and Crist in the governor's office to talk about the issue. He acknowledged the effects of autism are especially acute in middle-class families, which struggle to pay for intensive therapy sessions that can cost thousands of dollars a month.

But Rubio's chamber is a key obstacle to the autism insurance bill. Although the measure has been approved by one committee in the House, there are doubts whether it can pass muster with the full House as many Republicans members say it would cause a spike in premiums for all policyholders - the major reason insurance companies also oppose the idea.

Rubio, R-West Miami, said he's asked autism advocates, insurance company officials and legislative analysts to determine how much the mandate would increase premiums. "No one's been able to give us a hard and fast number on it," he said.

Still, with Crist's support, Geller said he hopes to pass the measure, which he has fought for unsuccessfully in the past. "This is my retirement bill," said Geller, who will leave the Senate in November because of term limits. "This year all the stars are in alignment. I've got 20 years of favors I'm calling in."